Sources: Rotherham agree six-figure Rathbone fee with Rochdale
Rotherham United have agreed a deal with Rochdale to sign midfielder Oliver Rathbone, Football Insider has learned.
The central midfielder, 24, is a wanted man after reigniting his career in League One following his Man United exit.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that the improved bid from Rotherham is a six-figure sum which has reluctantly been accepted by Rochdale.
Rathbone exited Old Trafford in 2016 after joining the club years previously as a youngster.
His current Rochdale deal expires next summer after he signed a three-year deal in 2019 and the club have decided to cash-in on him rather than risk allowing him to run down his contract.
He has become a key player for Rochdale and made 183 total appearances for the Greater Manchester side.
The midfielder has featured heavily in every league campaign since he arrived at the Crown Oil Arena.
15 goals and 15 assists have followed as Rathbone continued to shine as one of the premier talents in the Football League.
Rotherham United are looking for proven third-tier operators after their relegation from the Championship last season.
Rathbone's arrival will help fill the void left by Matt Crooks' departure to Middlesbrough earlier this summer.
Rotherham boss Paul Warne is a big fan of all-action midfielder Rathbone and sees him as a key addition to his squad ahead of the new season as they look to build a side capable of winning promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking.